The Magpies have this week received news that Steven Taylor faces an extended spell on the sidelines, coupled with Yohan Cabaye's return being delayed until February. Hatem Ben Arfa, Gabriel Obertan, Dan Gosling, Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic are also carrying injuries.

Newcastle signed just four players in the summer as eight of the first-team squad were allowed to leave St James' Park and the recent injury crisis, along with suspensions, has spread resources thinly.

Pardew, whose side have struggled for form in recent weeks, is refusing to be drawn into speculation about potential signings, possibly after the club's inability to land Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy after the deal became public knowledge.

"I know I have given an overview of where our season may go, but I am not going to talk about the window because that is unfair looking at where we are right now," Pardew told The Journal.

"We have 10 top players in that treatment room and the players I have playing I need to get the best out of them.

"You won't get anything about January from me. There will be discussions between myself and Derek and Mike about the plan for January for sure."

Newcastle have won just one of their last eight games since Pardew signed an eight-year-deal to remain at the club.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.